Children's dental cleaning in Palma
A professional dental cleaning removes the plaque, tartar and stains that brushing at home cannot fully remove. For children and teenagers, it is one of the best ways to prevent decay and gum problems, and to detect any problem early.
We provide it at Arcdental, our children's dental clinic in Palma, adapted to each child's age. It is a simple procedure that does not hurt and does not usually need anaesthetic.
Recommended check-up for most children
Does not usually need anaesthetic
Applied depending on decay risk
Included in the programme when there is tartar
Book your child’s dental cleaning
We check your child’s teeth and gums and clean them if needed, with hygiene advice suited to their age.
Leave us your details and we will call you back within three hours.
Why do children need dental cleanings?
Brushing at home is essential, but some areas are always hard to reach, especially between the teeth and along the gum line. Plaque builds up there and, over time, can harden into tartar, inflame the gums or encourage decay.
In children, baby teeth have thinner enamel and decay progresses faster. A regular professional cleaning, together with a check-up, keeps the mouth healthy and lets us act before there is any pain.
When does your child need one?
How often depends on each child. It is worth booking an appointment if you notice:
- Black, brown or greenish marks on the teeth that don't come off with brushing.
- Tartar, especially behind the lower front teeth.
- Red gums or gums that bleed when brushing.
- Persistent bad breath.
- That they wear orthodontic appliances, which make hygiene harder.
Benefits of children’s dental cleaning
Prevents decay
Removes plaque where the toothbrush can't reach and reduces the risk of decay in baby and permanent teeth.
Looks after the gums
Helps prevent and treat gingivitis, gum inflammation that is common in teenagers.
Removes stains
Removes surface stains that brushing cannot get rid of.
Spots problems early
Every cleaning comes with a check-up to find decay or problems that are not yet causing symptoms.
Teaches good brushing
We use the visit to show children, and parents, how to brush properly for their age.
Support during orthodontics
With braces or appliances, more plaque builds up. Cleanings help children finish treatment with healthy teeth.
What is a children's dental cleaning like?
Examination
We check the teeth and gums to detect decay, inflammation or any problem that may have gone unnoticed.
Cleaning
We remove plaque and, if there is tartar, we remove it with ultrasound or hand instruments. Then we polish the teeth with a special paste to remove surface stains.
It is painless: we explain every step to the child and go at their pace.
Fluoride and advice
If their risk of decay makes it advisable, we apply fluoride to strengthen the enamel. We finish with brushing and diet advice for home.
Oral hygiene at home, by age
Professional cleaning complements daily care but does not replace it:
- Babies without teeth: wipe the gums with a damp gauze.
- From the first tooth: brush twice a day with 1,000 ppm fluoride toothpaste, a smear the size of a grain of rice.
- From 3 to 6 years: 1,000 ppm toothpaste, a pea-sized amount.
- From 6 years: 1,450 ppm toothpaste and at least two minutes of brushing.
- Until about age 7 or 8, parents should go over their child's brushing.
- Dental floss, once the teeth are touching each other.
- Avoid frequent sugar and don't put your baby to bed with a bottle.
Looking for an adult cleaning, or is your child in PADI?
If your child is between 6 and 15, PADI includes cleaning of permanent teeth when there is tartar. Arcdental is an approved clinic.
If you are looking for an adult dental cleaning, we provide it at our other clinics in Palma: see our professional dental cleaning page.
Who will clean your child’s teeth
Cleanings are carried out by our dental hygienists, Miriam Luque and Diana Santa, under the supervision of Dr Cristina Martínez-Almoyna Rifá.
Where to find Arcdental
We carry out children's dental cleanings at Arcdental, our children's dental clinic in Palma.
Our children's dental clinic
Arcdental
Carrer de Sevilla, 8, ground floor
Son Dameto · 07013 Palma
- Monday and Wednesday
- 16:00–20:00
- Tuesday
- 9:00–13:00 · 16:00–20:00
- Thursday
- 13:00–19:00
- Friday
- 15:00–19:00
By car
Street parking and the pay car park at Hospital Juaneda Miramar, a 3-minute walk away. There is also free parking on Camí de la Vileta, about a 10-minute walk away.
Go to the car parkBy taxi
Taxi ranks at Carrer de Son Espanyolet, 58 and Carrer de Pasqual Ribot, 1.
Frequently asked questions about children's dental cleaning
At what age should a child have their first dental cleaning?
There is no fixed age. The first dental visit should be with the first tooth or before the first birthday, and a professional cleaning is done when there is plaque, tartar or stains that don’t come off with brushing. For many children this is from around age 6.
How often should a child have a cleaning?
It depends on their risk of decay and their hygiene. As a guide, a check-up every 6 months, and a cleaning when the paediatric dentist recommends it, usually once or twice a year.
Does a dental cleaning hurt?
No. It is a painless procedure that does not usually need anaesthetic. At most, your child may feel a tickle or some sensitivity if the gums are inflamed.
Why does my child have black marks on their teeth?
They are usually stains caused by bacteria in the mouth. They are common in children, are not decay and are removed with a professional cleaning, although they sometimes come back. It is worth having them checked to rule out decay.
Can children have tartar?
Yes, especially behind the lower front teeth, next to the salivary glands. Once it has formed, tartar does not come off with brushing and has to be removed at the clinic.
Is cleaning covered by PADI?
Yes, for permanent teeth when there is tartar, for children aged 6 to 15. Cleanings for cosmetic reasons are not included.
Is fluoride safe for children?
Yes, in the right amounts for their age. Fluoride strengthens enamel and is one of the most effective measures against decay. At the clinic we apply it according to each child’s risk.
How much does a children's dental cleaning cost?
It depends on what your child needs. At the free first visit we give you a detailed quote. If they are between 6 and 15 and there is tartar, it may be covered by PADI.